If there was a slight chance that Bengals franchise quarterback Carson Palmer would relent and return to the fold, then let's put some clarification on that. He has NO intention on returning to Cincinnati in a Bengals uniform. None whatsoever.

Don't believe me?

Carson Palmer, through a confidant, said that "I will never set foot in Paul Brown Stadium again."

He continued, "I have $80 million in the bank. I don't have to play football for money. I'll play it for the love of the game but that would have to be elsewhere. I'm prepared to live my life."

This comes after a Peter King report suggesting that the Bengals were at least listening to offers from other teams interested in Palmer. This also comes after the Mothership speculated that the Bengals appear to remain adamant that the team has no intention on trading Palmer.

Unfortunately for Palmer, a Collective Bargaining Agreement must be struck between the owners and players before a trade can happen. And unfortunately for Palmer, a team has to want to take on his $50 million salary for the next four years -- or at least agree to a new contract between both sides after the trade. And unfortunately for Palmer, the Bengals will likely ask for a lot.

Either way, according to the "confidant" speaking through WCPO, Palmer is done. Perhaps it would actually be nice if Palmer were the one speaking? That's asking too much? Sorry.